COMMUNITY NEWS

From Eddie Fernandes. I will be in Goa till 19 Dec. and I will try to maintain continuity of the newsletter service during the period. You can e-mail me as before at eddie@fernandes.u-net.com In case of urgency please contact Bernie Gracias at BERNIEGRACIAS@aol.com tel 020-8723-1322.

Canadian Goan author, Silviano Barbosa has just published a Goan novel “THE SIXTH NIGHT.” Synopsis: The novel portrays the travails of a Catholic girl growing up in traditional Goa of the 1950s during the last decade of the Portuguese rule. Linda Cardoso derives immense pleasure from the simple village life steeped in customs, traditions, feasts and celebrations. Until…she comes face to face with ugly caste discrimination inflicted on her people for centuries…

She falls hopelessly in love with a foreigner, only to lose him abruptly during the Indo-Portuguese conflict of 1961. Left alone, ostracized, helpless and pregnant with a half-Portuguese love-child, she struggles with thoughts of despair, single motherhood and the pain of separation as life drags her through U.K. Portugal and Germany and finally to Canada. Silviano Barbosa, now lives in Toronto, Canada. He has already produced a sold-out Konkani album “Classic Goa - Hits of the Millennium” which has sold over 4000 cassettes and CDs. Enquires to goarajbooks@yahoo.com More details of the book from http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2004-December/021702.html

Top Kenya Players Exploring Chances Abroad.
11 Dec: The Nation (Kenya). Excerpt: Back in the 1960s some of our erstwhile heroes of pre-independence sport left in droves for the southern parts of Africa while others headed for the northern hemisphere. Among those who headed north was Empire Games sprint king Seraphino Antao, whose base in Mombasa had attained the level of a shrine after his track exploits.

Community service for harassment
16 Dec. Croydon Guardian. Janet D’Sa who harassed her elderly landlady by sending offensive and malicious letters has been sentenced to 80 hours community service by magistrates. Costs of £200 pounds were waived in light of D'Sa's debts. For full text click here.

Toronto: TV Programme: Alison D’Silva.
Toronto’s Life Network Channel. Documentary on Alison going home last year for Christmas. Sat Dec 18. at 10 am. Tue Dec 21 at 4pm and 10 pm. Sun Dec 26 at 8pm For a photo of Alison and family click here

UK: Carrom Doubles Tournament 21st November'04
	From Mafalda de'Sa: Organised by Director, Richard Fernandes with Viju D'souza and Assumption Gomes, this tournament attracted a crowd of approximately 50 at the HSBS Sports and Social club in Beckenham. A warm, welcoming atmosphere, awaited the players and spectators and the usual Carrom enthusiasts were striker happy.
Click to Enlarge
Playing doubles proved challenging for the players and was exciting to watch. Leo D'Souza and Rommel Coutinho won the doubles beating Ian Remedios and Norman Cortez. The ladies singles tournament was won by Agnes Rato who beat Vivian D'souza, both playing pretty skillfully. Our thanks to Richard and his team, participants and spectators. Richard, Viju & Assumption have shown that there is a great interest for this skilful game and carom fever has now gripped the Community. Watch out for another Strictly Come Carom tournament which will include a children's tournament in early Spring 2005. For other photographs click here.

DEATHS

15 Dec. London, UK. EDDIE SOARES. (Teacher,ex-Mombasa)

15 Dec: Orangeville, Ont. Canada. IDA FLETCHER. Wife of Ivo. Sister of John, Tango and Roma Rodrigues.

10th Dec. Bexleyheath, Kent, UK. SEBASTIÃO (JUSTIN) PEREIRA, 79 yrs [ex Nairobi]. Husband of Maria (Mary), Father to Martina\Dominic D’Souza, Theresa\Mike Barretto, Eva\ Chris D’Souza, Dores\Agnelo Fernandes, Susan\ Jim Dixon, Dominic\Helen Pereira. Grandfather to Aaron, Matthew, Wesley, Simone, Rachel, Georgina, Thomas, Isabella, John, Liam, Dylan, Lewis & Sadie. Condolences to evad_souza@yahoo.com

Donations in lieu of flowers will be divided between Cancer Research & Greenwich & Bexley Cottage Hospice, please send to c/o Theresa Barretto, 109 Holmwood Road, Cheam, Surrey, SM2 7JS

8 Dec. Hayes, Middlesex, UK. PATROCINIO FERNANDES (ex Mombasa, Kenya). Husband of Natividade. Father of Eugen, Lino & Anna. Daughter-in-law's Fatima & Antonette. Grandsons Kevin, Malcolm & James. Funeral service was on Wed 15th Dec.

8 Dec? Cavelossim: ESTEVAM JOSE RODRIGUES. Husband of Philomena. Father of Rouchelle. Brother of Leonora/Joe (London), Thomas/Philomena (Porvorim), Celina/late Joaquim (Saligao).

HOLIDAY INFORMATION

Visa-on-arrival likely at Goa airport
11 Dec. Financial Express. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) is actively considering extending visa-on-arrival facility to tourism destinations like Kerala and Goa.
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=76584

Goa: Life is slow and traditional
13 Dec: CBC News (Canada). The beaches in Goa are the most beautiful we have ever seen anywhere. The sand goes on for miles; the beaches seem almost deserted. In Goa there has been a moratorium on development within 200 metres of the water. Unlike many beach areas, there has been no mass construction of high-rise hotels at the water’s edge. Life is slow and traditional. In the evening, scores of fishermen work together to pull in their long nets.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/viewpoint/vp_cormier/20041213.html

GOA NEWS HEADLINES

Iranian film wins Goa Film Festival award.
10 Dec. BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/4084813.stm

Flory D’Souza’s Kuwait ordeal
10 Dec. Herald. When 24-year-old Flory Nevidita D'Souza of Fortavaddo in Betim opted to take up housework in Kuwait, she was hopeful of a bright future. Instead, she was mercilessly beaten black and blue by her boss when she refused to be drawn into prostitution and after repeated death threats barely got away with her life, after relatives, including a sister in London, paid a huge sum to secure her release. http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/2004-December/021884.html

Goa to host world’s longest dance party
11 Dec. Deccan Herald. By Devika Sequeira. Later this month, Goa will host the world’s longest dance party in a brave attempt to clinch the 2003-set Guinness record for 52 hours and 3 minutes. http://67.18.142.206/deccanherald/dec112004/n5.asp

Going, going... Goa!
11 Dec. Times of India. What worked and what didn't at the Film Festival. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/955312.cms

Shack-a-lak-a baby!
11 Dec: Times of India. Shack allotment favours the locals, say foreigners, while Goans argue against the international invasion of their territory. Bombay Times presents both sides of the argument. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/955253.cms

Talak appeals Goan audience to patronise his film Aleesha
12 Dec. Navhind Times. The Producer and Director of the film, Rajendra Talak, has appealed to the Goan audience to patronise the film for enhancing the chances of producing further quality Konkani cinema in the state.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=121142

Disabled throng to Old Goa for St Xavier’s succour
12 Dec. Navhind Times. Almost half-way into the Exposition of the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier, at Old Goa, over 1 million pilgrims are estimated to have visited the saint till date. And along with the able and healthy pilgrims, the sick and the handicapped also come to seek the blessings of the saint.
Senior couple, Mr Norbert and Ms Veronica Lamas, now based in Toronto, Canada, visit Goa every year. But this year is special because Mr Lamas suffered a stroke recently. “My husband and I have a great faith in St Francis Xavier. He would not have been happy if we had returned to Canada without visiting the saint. I always pray to him to bring us home safely. I feel great today,” said Ms Lamas. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=121145

A controversy that refuses to die down
12 Dec: Hindustan Times. Controversy continues over the death of a Brazilian footballer playing a club match in India, with his widow refusing to accept the government's autopsy report and the government refusing to return his organs to her. Cristiano Sebastiao de Lima Junior, 25, collapsed after scoring his second goal for Goa's Dempo Sports Club against Mohun Bagan in the Federation Cup final being played in Bangalore December 5.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1149261,00070003.htm

India should change 'tourist looters' image
12 Dec. New Kerala. India will soon launch a campaign across the country to reduce incidents of fleecing tourists, said Renuka Chowdhury, the tourism minister. Stressing the need for looking away from stereotype destinations, which have developed in a lopsided manner, and exploring other destinations, Chowdhury said, "Although we are getting 629 charters (flights) from Britain to Goa this season, unfortunately, they are spending very little in India as they are bringing along their butlers, chefs and cooks," she said.
http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=47405

Goa plans to stress on biotechnology
13 Dec: Times of India. Goa, with engineer-turned politician Manohar Parikkar at its helm as chief minister, is planning to stress on biotechnology to boost its economy. The government, which has identified biotechnology along with drugs, pharmaceuticals, food processing, IT, tourism and entertainment as thrust industrial areas, is holding a seminar ‘BioGoa 2004’ this weekend. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/956065.cms

Slide Show: St Francis Xavier The Saint of Goa
13 Dec: Rediff.com. A superb collection of photographs by Sebastian D'Souza/AFP/Getty Images http://specials.rediff.com/news/2004/dec/13sld1.htm

Dempo players bid tearful farewell to Junior
13 Dec: Indian Express. Goan football fans and Dempo players on Monday bid a tearful farewell to their team mate Cristiano Junior, whose body would be flown to his hometown of Brasillia, Brazil later on Monday. http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=39544

Try bungee jumping this New Year
14 Dec. Rediff.com. New Year's in Goa will be more than just the rave parties and lazing on the beach with a plate of prawn bhaji this season. XtremeZone Sports expects to give some adrenaline rush to holiday makers by introducing bungee jumping and reverse bunjee jumping (read catapult). http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2004/dec/14bungee.htm

Introduce news bulletin in Konkani, Eduardo urges Reddy
14 Dec: Navhind Times. The Rajya Sabha member from Goa, Mr Eduardo Faleiro has requested the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, Mr Jaipal Reddy to introduce a bulletin/news reel/current affairs of 15 minutes duration in Konkani to be telecast on the national network. http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=121430

Former CM Luizinho Faleiro indicted.
16 Dec. Navhind Times. The one-man inquiry commission headed by retired chief justice of Karnataka High Court, Mr Justice M L Pendse probing into the functioning of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has indicted former industries minister, Mr Luizinho Faleiro and former EDC managing director, Dr M Modassir for sanctioning huge loans “illegally and in irregular manner” which led the EDC to suffer heavy losses.
http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=121632

Goan With The Wind
16 Dec: Outlook. The Goan Film Festival.
http://www.outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20041215&fname=IFFI&sid=1

GOANET: SOME HIGHLIGHTS By Cornel DaCosta

With a tight word limit, it is becoming really hard to exclude items of interest on Goanet which come from varied sources. There are simply too many to choose from and a bit of a lottery selection has become inevitable.

Shaila De Souza's excellent material on the Goan Civil Code, stemming from the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, and the earlier Code Napoleon, is an absolute mine of information on many current legal situations pertaining to marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession, child adoption, property rights and even bigamy in Goa! It also provides a brief bibliography which would be particularly useful to those facing endless disputes on property rights.

A quaint guide for the Newly Arrived in Goa provides some pretty useful and unusual advice. Other discussion has centred around "Cheapie Brits visiting Goa with their butlers, chefs and cooks" ; the publication and availability of books in Konkani and the extent of Konkani use, especially, in the Goan Diaspora, and material on "Migrant labour in Goa: Cursed Blessedness".

Eustaquio Santimano's contribution on tennis players like Leander and Mahesh was worthy of his previous brilliant coverage of the Olympics in Athens 2004. However, the ongoing controversy on the first Goan to the Antarctic on a scientific expedition was dealt with brilliantly by Gilbert Lawrence. He referred to his visit to Tasmania, many years ago, and his meeting with Goan tarottis/shipees who had been to the Antarctic several times on research vessels and were able to provide fascinating accounts of their hazardous experiences. Gilbert was particularly keen to give credit to such unsung heroes from Goa about whom we know relatively little.

Goanet seemingly never fails to provide, at most times, unusual facets of information to capture the imagination, and provoke much thought to readers in Goa, the far flung Goan Diaspora and the wider international community.

Please visit the Goanet archives at http://www.goanet.org/pipermail/goanet/ To subscribe to Goanet sent an email to viviana@goanet.org

IN THE NEWS

Toronto: Carlin Bunston.
11 Dec. Globe & Mail (Toronto). First-time parents Jason Bunston and Natalie DeSouza were as impressed with their newborn daughter's toes as they were with her thick mop of curly black hair and almond-shaped eyes. The oversized big toes are significant because they suggest that she may be an elite runner some day, just like her parents. Ms. DeSouza, an e-business analyst with Nestlé Canada Inc., was twice an Ontario high-school champion in the 800 metres and a bronze medalist at the 1993 national championships. [Proud grandparents are Ronald Bunston of Waterdown, Ont., Wendy Bunston of Gabriola Island, B.C., and Felix and Victoria DeSouza of Toronto]. For full text click here

UK: TV Soap: EastEnders: Ferreiras blast off!
11 Dec.: The Citizen. Rumours are rife that the dreary Ferreira clan are set to leave EastEnders with a bang - literally! Apparently, the Asian oddbods' home will be rocked by a massive gas explosion next spring.

Money rise for Paul de Souza
11 Dec. Daily Telegraph (Australia) A West Australian man who was so savagely bashed he feared he would die won an appeal for more compensation. Paul de Souza, now aged 30, was originally awarded $23,853.30 by a Criminal Injuries Compensation assessor after being severely injured in an unprovoked attack outside a Broome hotel in September 2002. His alleged attackers, UK tourists Simon and Philip Johnson, pounded Mr de Souza's face in the assault. The Broome bouncer was left with seven metal plates and 53 screws in his skull. He now gets $40,498.30.

Bonds could give India's infrastructure a new life
14 Dec: International Herald Tribune. Taking the night train from Mumbai to the western Indian city of Goa is an abrupt step backward in time…In Goa, the urgent need to finance infrastructure is as much on display as anywhere. This former Portuguese enclave on the Arabian Sea is one of India's tourism gems. It is attracting fast-increasing numbers of wealthy foreigners on top of the backpackers who have flocked here since the 1960s. Better roads, airports and rail service would pull more tourism dollars India's way.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2004/12/13/bloomberg/sxpesek.html

Self empowerment with Bridget Menezes
14 Dec. New Straits Times (Malaysia). At 53, a time when leisurely retirement plans are in the horizon, Bridget Menezes found fresh impetus for life via yoga and meditation. Now 69, the former music teacher and currently motivational guru and author tells her secret to happiness and good health….A rare gem, an encounter with her will leave you inspired…she was a music teacher half her life….The Goan-born Bridget recently launched her first book entitled Self Empowerment. It's a compilation of 700 pieces of her writings, though she humbly says she never knew she could write…She is the fifth child in a family of seven. Her father, C.B. Gomes, was a musician in Kuala Lumpur. Her mother, Rosemary Remedios, was also a musician and singer. 984 words

Five Indian sailors die in USA
14 Dec. Sify.com. Five Indian sailors were believed to have been among six crew members of a Malaysian ship killed following the crash of a US rescue helicopter off the coast of Alaska. The Indian crew members killed included Blaise M Mascarenhas and Zaferino M Vaz, both from Salcete, Goa; http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=13628715

Hearing Asian voices
16 Dec: Croydon Guardian. A group of Asian teenagers have written and produced a song to make their voices heard by Croydon's politicians.For full text click here.

UK: TV & RADIO HIGHLIGHTS. By Mafalda de’Sa

Sun 19th Dec: BBC 2: 7pm (60mins) This OBE Is Not For Me. Poet Benjamin Zephaniah sees the honours list as a leftover symbol of the Empire. In this programme he expounds on his reasons for his refusal to accept an OBE last New Year and allows his anti-imperialist views to be challenged. It also includes his visit to Delhi, meeting Indian men and women who see their prosperity as a positive legacy of the Raj.

Mon 20th Dec: Channel 4: 3.30am (120mins) The Great British Asian Invasion: Documentary exploding popular myths and generalisations about Britain’s Asian population.

Tues 21st Dec: BBC 4: 9pm (50mins) Murder Most Royal. Why did Crown Prince Dipendra of Nepal kill his parents and seven others, and then take his own life in 2001?

Wed 22nd Dec: BBC 2: 11.20pm (30mins) Desi DNA. Tonight’s hot topics are: British Asian Theatre, the reinvention of the hookah and this year’s biggest Bollywood concert. Plus clubs in Ibiza.

Wed 22nd Dec: Home & Leisure: 3.30pm (30mins) Go Fishing: Location: India.

Thurs.23rd Dec: BBC 2: 6.40pm (50mins) The Mystery Of The Three Kings. Seeking the reality behind the Christmas card image, this documentary reveals the ancient religious traditions that may have inspired the Magi’s visit.

Thurs: 23rd Dec: UKTV History: 11pm (60mins) Echoes Of The Raj. Britons living in India during the last 20 years of the Raj.

Fri: 24th Dec: BBC 1: 11.40pm (75mins) Midnight Mass. Live celebration on the birth of Jesus from St. Georges Roman Catholic Cathedral in Southwark, south London.

FORTHCOMING

See http://www.lanfranc.com/publications/location/directions.htm for help in locating Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon

Sat. 18 Dec. ***SOLD OUT*** YLGS Christmas Party - Thames Boat Cruise. ***SOLD OUT*** (New Members 18+ welcome!) 8pm-12am. Licensed Bar & Disco on Board. Leaving from Festival Pier. Tickets @ #12. For further details contact: Alison Braganza, Events Manager on 07799 586793 or events@ylgs.org.uk

Sun. 19 Dec. G.O.A. (UK) Annual/Extraordinary General Meeting at 1pm at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Croydon. Open to members only.

Sun.19 Dec. 4.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy. Konkani Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady & St Christopher's Catholic Church, 32 High Street, Cranford, Middlesex.

Sun. 26 Dec. South West Goans. Boxing Day Hop at St.Augustine's Church Hall, Tooting SW17 OEF from 3pm-9pm. Music by "Low Level" with Maria (Star from Goa) + various Artists. £12 adults. £7 children. For Tickets Contact Cajie 0208 672 5003, Peter 0208 672 3232, Chip 0208 658 5321. Limited tickets. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Sun 26 Dec. 7pm till 1am. Slough Goans Christmas Dance at the Polish Association Club, Stoke Poges Lane. Music by 'Say One Do One'. Tickets £10. Tony/Suzy Rodrigues 01753 675072, Edwin 01753 531383, Felix 0208 6404151, Paul 07956 496 190 say1do1@hotmail.com Sold out every year so please buy your tickets early to avoid
disappointment

Tue. 28 Dec. 12.00pm - The Asian Chaplaincy Mass & Fund Raising Social to raise money to sponsor young men to the priesthood of the Pilar Fathers at Archbishop Lanfranc School, Mitcham Road, Croydon CR9 3AS. Music by the Mustang Band.

Fri. 31 Dec. New Year’s Eve Gala Ball – Harrow Leisure Centre, Harrow. 7.00pm to 2.00am. Music by LOW LEVEL & DARK STAR. Tickets: Adults £15 before 15th December, £19 thereafter. Children: £10 under 10 years. For tickets call Hazel Rodrigues: 020-8357 6776 or Bernie Gracias 020-8723 1322. For a Ticket Application Form or other information, email daxpereira@aol.com Don’t miss another SELL-OUT night to remember! For the flyer see http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/newsletter/2004/Nov/issue2/Gala_Ball/index.htm
Goan Association (UK) members can avail of two tickets at £13 each. Please contact - Bernie Gracias on 020 8723 1322

Fri. 31st Dec. (7pm till 12:30am). The South East Goans Sports & Social Club: New Year’s Eve Ball at the Woolwich Town Hall, Market Street, London, SE18. Disco by Say One Do One . Entry inc. snacks: Members £10; Guests £15. Contacts: Eusebio: 020 8304 9089; Alex:020 8306 0974; Evelyn: 01322 433393; Chris: 01322 400732; Victor: 020 8303 5106; Bonnie:020 8851 4677; Damaciano:020 8316 1473

Fri. 31 Dec. North London New Years Dance, White Hart Lane school, Wood Green, London N22. From : 7:30 pm to 2:00 am. Music by Danda Cousins & Nite Shade. Tickets: Adults (16 +) £12 and Children (ages 10 - 15) £7. Children under 10 ( free). No Tickets at the door. Formal Dress code only. Neville 0208 807 7830, Felix 0208 482 3277

Fri 31 Dec 7.30pm till 1.45am. New Year's Eve Ball. Dress code Black Tie. Venue: Winston Churchill Hall, Pinn Way, Ruislip, Middlesex. Live Music & Disco with Owen and featuring from Canada Melissa D'Souza promoting her new album. Tickets £25 with meal. Children 5 to 13 yrs £10. Contact 07808 780498 or 01895 272594. For the flyer http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/Fyler/NYE.jpg

Sat. 8 Jan. G.O.A. GOAN EXTRAVAGANZA at Wandsworth Town Hall from 7.00 pm. Further details from - Norma Menezes-Rahim 020 - 8771 4457 Bernie Gracias 020 - 8723 1322

FOR LATER EVENTS SEE http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/